Pennsylvania House Bill HB604

Pennsylvania 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/12/25
• Refer: 2/12/25

Caption

In firearms and other dangerous articles, further providing for sale or transfer of firearms, for duties of the Pennsylvania State Police and for the offense of altering or obliterating marks of identification and providing for destruction of confiscated or recovered firearms.

Impact

If enacted, HB 604 would significantly modify existing state laws regarding firearms transfer and management. The bill mandates that firearms confiscated by law enforcement must be cataloged and returned to their lawful owners unless the owners are prohibited from possessing them. In cases where lawful ownership cannot be established within 120 days, the confiscated firearms must be destroyed, effectively streamlining the process for handling such items and reducing the burden on law enforcement agencies managing them.

Summary

House Bill 604 amends Title 18 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes concerning firearms and other dangerous articles. This bill focuses on the sale and transfer of firearms and outlines the duties of the Pennsylvania State Police in relation to confiscated or recovered firearms. Key features of the bill include requirements for non-licensed persons to sell or transfer firearms only at specified locations and the establishment of protocols regarding the destruction of confiscated firearms if the lawful owner cannot be identified within a set timeframe.

Sentiment

The overall sentiment surrounding HB 604 appears to be mixed. Supporters argue that the bill will improve public safety by ensuring that firearms do not remain in law enforcement custody indefinitely and that it clarifies the transfer process for unlicensed individuals. However, there are concerns from opponents that the bill may inadvertently undermine the rights of citizens regarding their property and the procedural rights of individuals related to firearms.

Contention

Notable points of contention include the provisions around the destruction of confiscated firearms, with opponents fearing that this may lead to the permanent loss of property without adequate process. Additionally, the aspect of requiring non-licensed individuals to conduct transfers only at certain locations could be seen as an infringement on personal rights. These elements raise questions about the balance between public safety and individual rights, making HB 604 a polarizing piece of legislation.